The Beautiful Beaches Of Hong Kong Island

On Hong Kong Island, there are few beaches you canbetween bamboo and shrubs then climbing to a hilltop
reach after a hike, rewarding your efforts with relaxingwith more outstanding views. Big Wave Bay soon
scenery, a cool swim and perhaps even some rollingappears below you - a short stretch of sand in a
surf. I'm going to suggest a fantastic and scenic route.narrow cove between rocky headlands. Then, the
Starting from a bus stop at the beginning of Shek 0Hong Kong Trail drops, turns away from the ridge, and
Road is a great trail that leads up and over Dragon'syou've seen the last of Big Wave Bay for some time.
Back, perhaps the finest short hike in Hong Kong If youFollow an easygoing woodland trail, crossing occasional
have time to spare, first head down from the bus stopsmall streams. The trail emerges close by a
to the beach at To Tei Wan which, though not a finecorrectional services centre near Tat Tani Gap. The
swimming or sunbathing beach, has a quaintbeach is closer now; just follow the signs pointing along
abandoned village and is home to the Hong Konga service road, then take a right, to drop down, and at
Hobie Club. You'll see the members' sailboats arrayedlast arrive at Big Wave Bay. Big Wave Bay seems far
along the sand. From there, start climbing backs theremoved from most of Hong Kong Island: walking to it,
Hong Kong Trail, which leads through trees andyou pass through a small village, with houses amidst
bamboo and up a scrubby hillside. Turn right at the topfields, the hillside stretching above. Though it's small,
of a steep flight of steps, and you'll come to a clusterthere's a good beach, with a lifeguard service in
of boulders, with great views across Tai Tam Bay tosummer, and facilities including showers. It's a fine place
Stanley. Retracing your steps from the boulders,for unwinding and swimming after a hike. Big Wave
continue along the meandering path, then take a rightBay is a magnet for surfer dudes, who have only
turn, uphill again. In minutes, you'll be on the Dragon'sripples to ride in calm weather, but arc drawn here
Back ridge, savouring brilliant views down to Shek 0when a typhoon roars close by and surf's UP! You'll be
and across the sea to Tung Lung Island and thehappy to stroll along the rocky shore to the left and
Clearwater Bay Peninsula. When the northeastpath leads to an old rock carving - perhaps a bit boring
monsoon is blowing, Dragon's Back is popular withto look at, though the location is good, with more views
paraglider pilots who climb up with their heavy packs,of this marvellous stretch of coastline.
then launch themselves from grassy slopes, hang inClare Hudson contributes to Best Travel Guide, an
the air, and eventually drift down to a beach at Shekonline publication about travel advice, tips and
O. The trail heads north now, sometimes burrowingdestination.